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Two injured in Wicklow hang gliding accident

Student and instructor treated for non life-threatening injuries

The area in which the incident took place is a popular spot for hang gliders with clear runs between the Sugar Loaf mountain and Kippure offering sweeping flight paths across the moorland and views of Dublin city, Wicklow and the Irish sea. Photograph: Dara MacDomhnaill/The Irish Times

A major rescue operation was stood down tonight when too men were taken safely from the Wicklow mountains after they were involved in a hang gliding accident.

Gardaí said two hang gliders were involved in what appears to have been a crash, after which both men fell to the ground.

The incident happened shortly before 5pm close to Lough Bray, between the Glencree Centre and Kippure mountain, in open moorland.

The crash sparked a major response led by Bray gardaí and involving the ambulance service, a search and rescue helicopter and the fire brigade.

One of the men was airlifted from the scene to hospital while the other was taken by land ambulance. It is understood they were an instructor and a student pilot. Gardaí said the men’s injuries were not thought to be life threatening .

Conditions for gliding on the mountains today were said to be excellent with good visibility and sunshine.

Gardaí said the incident would be investigated by the Department of Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Unit.

The area is a popular spot for hang gliders with clear runs between the Sugar Loaf mountain and Kippure offering sweeping flight paths across the moorland and views of Dublin city, Wicklow and the Irish sea.

The Irish Hang Gliding and Para Gliding Association offers support, training and advice for enthusiasts who must sign a waiver of indemnity for landowners and who must have €2m in insurance cover. In addition every pilot must fly with a certified helmet and a reserve parachute.